As the leaves start to change and the air turns crisp, I find myself drawn to heartwarming meals that bring family and friends together. It was during one of these cozy evenings that I discovered an irresistible twist on a classic favorite: Peking Duck with Plum Jam. The combination of rich, succulent duck paired with the sweet and tangy plum glaze creates a dish that feels both comforting and sophisticated.
Not only is this recipe remarkably easy to prepare, but it also elevates your dinner table into something extraordinary without breaking a sweat. With aromatic spices, a hint of citrus from fresh orange, and the luscious glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, every bite promises a flavor explosion. This is the perfect dish for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a gourmet feast at home. Ready to turn your kitchen into an aromatic haven? Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of crafting this delightful dish!
Why is Peking Duck so irresistible?
Simplicity at Its Core: This Peking Duck recipe harnesses easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward techniques, making gourmet cooking accessible to everyone.
Aromatic Spices: The mix of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves elevates the dish with warm, inviting aromas that will fill your kitchen.
Flavor Explosion: The sweet and tangy plum jam glaze combined with zesty orange creates a mouthwatering symphony that will delight your taste buds.
Impress Guests: Presenting a beautifully roasted duck not only wows your dinner party guests but also showcases your culinary prowess without hours of effort.
Versatile Side Options: Pair it with roasted vegetables or fragrant rice for a complete meal that satisfies everyone at the table.
If you’re intrigued by diverse flavor combinations, check out my guide on easy gourmet meals for more culinary inspirations.
Peking Duck Ingredients
For the Duck
• Whole duck – A 4-pound dressed duck is perfect for roasting and serves about four people.
• Soy sauce – Use 2 tablespoons for the glaze and 1 tablespoon reserved for basting; this adds depth to your dish.
For the Spice Rub
• Ground cinnamon – Just ½ teaspoon enhances warmth and complexity in flavors.
• Ground ginger – This spice helps bring out the duck’s natural richness with its subtle heat.
• Ground nutmeg – A hint of nutmeg (¼ teaspoon) works wonders in adding warmth to the spice mix.
• Ground white pepper – Use ¼ teaspoon for a milder peppery note compared to black pepper.
• Ground cloves – Just a pinch (⅛ teaspoon) intensifies the aromatic profile of this Peking Duck recipe.
For the Glaze
• Honey – 1 tablespoon of honey adds a lovely sweetness that balances the savory flavors beautifully.
• Plum jam – This ingredient is the star of the glaze, creating a rich, sweet coating that caramelizes delightfully.
• Chutney – ¼ cup finely chopped chutney adds a tangy twist and enhances the complexity of the glaze.
• Sugar – 1 ½ teaspoons of sugar amplifies the sweetness needed to create that glossy finish.
• Distilled white vinegar – Combine 1 ½ teaspoons of vinegar to cut through the richness and add brightness.
For Garnishing
• Green onions – 5 green onions, divided; slice some for garnish and scatter around the duck during roasting for an added flavor boost.
• Orange slices – Use slices for the cavity, as they impart zest and moisture during cooking.
• Fresh parsley – A tablespoon of chopped parsley is perfect for a pop of color on your elegant dish.
With these Peking Duck ingredients in hand, you’ll be well on your way to impressing everyone at your table with this gourmet masterpiece!
How to Make Peking Duck
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Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). This temperature ensures an even roast, allowing the duck to cook thoroughly and develop that beautiful crispy skin everyone loves.
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Prepare the duck by dressing it and patting it dry with paper towels. Ensuring it’s dry helps achieve a crispy texture as it roasts.
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Mix the spices in a small bowl: combine cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, white pepper, and cloves. This fragrant blend will add warmth and depth to your duck.
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Rub the spice mixture all over the duck, making sure to cover every inch. This seasoning is essential in creating rich, inviting flavors during roasting.
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Combine the glaze ingredients in a separate bowl: mix 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, honey, plum jam, chutney, sugar, and vinegar until smooth. This glaze will caramelize beautifully, adding a delicious finish.
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Brush the duck generously with the sauce mixture. Ensure to coat every crevice, allowing the flavors to seep into the tender meat as it cooks.
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Stuff the cavity of the duck with orange slices. This helps to infuse a zesty aroma and moisture, enhancing the overall flavor experience.
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Roast the duck in the oven for about 2 hours, basting occasionally with the remaining sauce. Look for a golden-brown skin; the aroma will be irresistible!
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Slice the green onions and scatter some around the duck during the last 15 minutes of roasting. This will not only add flavor but also create a delightful visual appeal.
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Let the duck rest for at least 15 minutes after removing it from the oven. This step helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every cut is succulent.
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Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. This bit of greenery adds a fresh touch and elevates your presentation!
Optional: Serve with a side of fluffy rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Peking Duck Variations
Feel free to explore these tasty twists and substitutions to make this dish uniquely yours!
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Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the cavity for a fragrant touch that beautifully complements the rich duck flavor.
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Fruit Variation: Swap plum jam for cherry or apricot preserves; each will bring its unique sweetness and aromatic profile to your Peking Duck.
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Heat Kick: For a spicy twist, incorporate a dash of cayenne pepper or sliced jalapeños into the glaze, giving your duck a delightful kick that surprises the palate.
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Citrus Burst: Replace orange slices with lemon or lime for an even zestier profile; the tang will create an exciting contrast to the sweetness of the glaze.
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Soy Alternatives: Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option; these will still impart the savory flavor that elevates the entire dish.
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Serving Style: Instead of garnishing with parsley, try toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch that adds texture plus visual appeal to your plate.
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Vegetable Medley: Incorporate root vegetables like carrots or parsnips around the duck while roasting; they will caramelize beautifully and serve as a delicious side.
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Rice Swap: Serve with jasmine or wild rice in place of traditional white rice for a more exotic taste that’ll transport your dinner into a gourmet experience.
Make Ahead Options
These Peking Duck preparations are absolutely perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings! You can rub the spice mixture onto the duck and prepare the glaze up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover and refrigerate both to keep the flavors fresh. Additionally, you can stuff the duck with orange slices a few hours ahead, ensuring that every bite is bursting with citrusy goodness. When it’s time to cook, just brush the duck with the stored glaze and roast it as directed. This approach not only saves you time but also ensures that your duck remains just as delicious and flavorful, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet experience with minimal effort!
How to Store and Freeze Peking Duck
Fridge: Store leftover Peking Duck in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing to retain moisture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cooked Peking Duck wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. This prevents freezer burn and preserves flavor.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Baste with some additional plum jam glaze to revive that luscious flavor!
Serving Tips: When serving leftovers, consider reheating with fresh orange slices or green onions to enhance freshness and visual appeal.
What to Serve with Peking Duck?
Pairing delicious sides with your Peking Duck enhances the overall dining experience and creates a spectacular meal to remember.
- Fluffy Jasmine Rice: The delicate fragrance of jasmine rice finds harmony with the rich duck, soaking up the flavors beautifully.
- Garlic Roasted Broccoli: The earthy and slight bitterness of roasted broccoli balances the sweetness of the plum jam glaze, adding a fresh note.
- Sweet Potato Mash: The creamy, buttery texture and subtle sweetness play splendidfully against the savory and spiced duck, offering comfort in every bite.
- Stir-Fried Snow Peas: Crisp snow peas add a wonderful crunch and freshness to your plate, ensuring a delightful contrast to the succulent duck.
- Cabbage Slaw: A tangy, crisp slaw provides a refreshing counterpoint, enhancing the meal with both texture and zesty flavor.
- Spicy Szechuan Noodles: The heat from Szechuan noodles can cut through the richness of the duck, creating a bold flavor combo that excites the palate.
- Orange Ginger Cocktail: Elevate the feast with this zesty drink that mirrors the citrus notes inside the duck, making for an exquisite toast.
- Chocolate Mousse: End the meal on a sweet note with silky chocolate mousse, providing a smooth texture that pairs well with the festive flavors of duck.
Tips for the Best Peking Duck
Properly Drying: Make sure to pat the duck dry before seasoning to achieve that coveted crispy skin during roasting.
Spice Coverage: Don’t skimp on rubbing the spice mixture—every nook and cranny of the duck benefits from that flavor explosion!
Basting Technique: Baste the duck every 30 minutes with the glaze to build up a luscious caramelized crust. Avoid skipping this step!
Resting Time: Allow the duck to rest for 15 minutes post-roasting; this ensures juicy, flavorful meat with every slice.
Cavity Stuffing: Don’t forget the orange slices—they enhance moisture and add a citrusy note that complements the Peking Duck beautifully.
Peking Duck with Plum Jam Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best duck?
Absolutely! When selecting a whole duck, look for one with smooth, unblemished skin and no dark spots. Ideally, it should weigh around 4 pounds for this recipe. A fresh duck is usually preferable, but if you’re buying frozen, check for solid packaging and avoid any signs of frost.
How should I store leftover Peking Duck?
Leftover Peking Duck can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Ensure it has cooled completely before sealing to maintain its moisture and texture. When ready to enjoy, you can warm it in the oven or even in a frying pan to bring back some crispiness.
Can I freeze cooked Peking Duck?
Very! To freeze Peking Duck, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, to prevent freezer burn. This way, it can last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge; then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, basting it with a little reserved glaze for flavor.
What if my duck skin isn’t crispy?
No worries! If your duck skin doesn’t turn out as crispy as you’d like, try increasing the oven temperature to 400°F (204°C) for the last 15-20 minutes of roasting. Just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning! Additionally, ensure that you’ve patted the duck dry before seasoning, as moisture can prevent crispiness.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Definitely! If you’re serving this dish to guests, be aware that some individuals may have allergies to certain ingredients like soy sauce or honey. You can easily make variations, such as swapping soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative or using agave syrup in place of honey.
Can I use a different fruit jam instead of plum jam?
The more the merrier! While plum jam adds a unique flavor, you could substitute it with apricot or blackberry jam for a different twist. Just keep in mind that this will alter the overall taste, but it will still be delicious!
Master Peking Duck with Plum Jam for a Flavor Explosion
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Prepare the duck by dressing it and patting it dry with paper towels.
- Mix the spices in a small bowl: combine cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, white pepper, and cloves.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the duck.
- Combine the glaze ingredients in a separate bowl.
- Brush the duck generously with the sauce mixture.
- Stuff the cavity of the duck with orange slices.
- Roast the duck in the oven for about 2 hours.
- Slice the green onions and scatter some around the duck during the last 15 minutes of roasting.
- Let the duck rest for at least 15 minutes after removing it from the oven.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.